---
The steady rhythm of the carriage wheels lulled Eva into a state of restless thought.
Her gaze was fixed on the blurred scenery passing outside, but her mind wandered elsewhere—back to the man she had encountered last night.
"He doesn't seem like the cruel emperor who executed me in my first life," she thought, her brows knitting in confusion. "He even helped me… and took care of me."
Eva shook her head sharply. "Stop thinking about that, Eva. You should be thinking about what you're going to tell Kyel."
Her heart tightened at the thought. "How am I going to explain where I was all night if he asks?"
The carriage slowed to a halt.
"Lady, we have arrived," the coachman called.
Eva stepped down, gathering her skirts, and offered him a small smile. "Thank you."
Turning to her small home, she pushed the door open. "Kyel?" Her voice echoed softly into the empty space.
No answer.
She scanned the room, her lips pressing together. "He's not here… looks like he didn't return last night either."
Exhaling, she sank onto the couch. "A lot happened last night…" Her body sank deeper into the cushions, and without realizing, her heavy eyelids closed.
---
When she opened her eyes again, she was no longer in her living room.
A strange, mist-filled place stretched around her. The air felt soft and unreal, and her footsteps made no sound.
"Where… am I?" she whispered, turning slowly.
She began to walk, her heart thudding in her chest. "Is this… a dream?"
Then, she saw him—a small boy standing a few steps ahead, watching her with bright, curious eyes.
"Child, are you lost?" Eva asked, moving closer.
The boy simply smiled.
"Do I know you? And what is this place?" she pressed.
"You don't know me, Eva… not yet," the boy said softly.
Her breath caught. "You know my name?"
"Not just your name," he replied, still smiling. "I know a lot of things about you."
"What's your name?"
"My name is Leo."
Eva's expression softened. "Leo… that's a beautiful name."
"My mother gave it to me," he said proudly.
"Your mother?"
"Yes."
"Where is your mother now? Why are you here alone?"
"I told you, Eva," his voice turned serious, "I came to talk to you."
"About what?"
"Eva… do you like swords?"
Her brows furrowed. "Swords?"
"Yes. You should learn how to use one—and fight."
She blinked. "But… why?"
"I can't tell you that now. But one day, you'll understand."
Her voice grew hesitant. "But who will teach me?"
"There's someone close to you," Leo replied, his eyes gleaming. "If you ask them, they might teach you."
"Close to me? Who—?"
"That… I cannot tell you."
The edges of the dream began to blur, dissolving into darkness.
"It's time for me to leave," Leo said gently.
"Wait! At least tell me how I can recognize that person!"
"You will find them, Eva. Just look around yourself."
"Leo—!"
"I will come to see you again." His voice faded with the mist.
---
"Princess… Princess."
Her eyes flew open to find Kyel kneeling beside her, concern in his brown eyes.
"Kyel…" she murmured, still dazed.
"Princess are you all right." Kyel said worried look on his face.
"I… I saw a strange dream."
"What kind of dream?" he asked, brushing a lock of hair from her face.
"I saw a little boy… he said some strange things."
"It was just a dream," Kyel reassured her with a faint smile. "Don't think too much about it. And why are you sleeping here?"
"I just… took a nap."
Her gaze shifted to the window, and she gasped. "It's night already? I slept that long?"
Kyel's eyes narrowed slightly in thought. Maybe it's because of the medicine's effect…
"I… didn't even eat anything since morning."
"You didn't eat?"
She nodded, looking almost guilty.
Kyel stood. "Wait here. I'll make something for you."
Soon, the warm scent of food filled the room. He placed a plate before her. "Here. Eat, Princess."
She picked up the spoon, taking a bite. Her lips curved into a small smile. "As always… delicious."
Kyel's gaze softened. "I'm glad."
she tilted her head. "You're not going to eat?"
"No, Princess. I ate plenty today—I'm not felling hungry."
"At least take two or three spoons… for me."
He sighed in mock defeat. "Fine…"
He remained seated as she rose, spoon in hand, and brought it to his lips. "Here," she coaxed.
But instead of accepting the bite, Kyel's hand slid around her waist, pulling her onto his lap.
Before she could react, his lips captured hers in a deep, unexpected kiss.
Her eyes widened in shock—then slowly closed. Her hands tightened on his shoulders as she melted into him, deepening the kiss herself.
When they finally pulled apart, her cheeks were burning. "Kyel… why did you suddenly kissed me?"
"Because," he said with a half-smile, "you look too beautiful tonight, and I couldn't stop myself."
She glanced at the floor and groaned. "Look what you've done—the food spilled because of you."
Kyel chuckled, lifting her gently from his lap and placing her back in her chair. "Sit here and eat. I'll clean it up."
As he wiped the floor, he spoke without looking up. "Princess…"
"Yes?"
"Do you have something to tell me?"
Her hand stilled on the spoon. Silence stretched between them before she finally whispered, "Yes. There's something I want to tell you."
She told him everything—about the guild, about her unexpected meeting with the Emperor.
Kyel's expression darkened. "Why did you go there? What if it had been someone else in the Emperor's place? You could have been in danger."
"I know… It's my fault for falling into their trap," she admitted, guilt in her voice.
"I'm not scolding you,
He cupped her face, forcing her to meet his gaze. "princess.. Please look at me. I'm not angry, I'm just worried about you."
"promise me you won't do anything like this again."
"I promise," she said softly.
Relief flickered in his eyes before he pulled her into a tight embrace. "I'm just glad you're safe."
She wrapped her arms around him, leaning into his warmth.
And so, the night quietly came to an end.
---